Phoenix snatches Game 1 win from Nashville

Despite being dominated by Nashville in the third period and giving up another late goal in regulation, the Coyotes pulled out a 4-3 overtime win over the Predators to open the Western Conference semifinals Friday night.

Ray Whitney had the game-winner nearly 15 minutes into overtime, helping the Coyotes win a second-round playoff game for the first time as an NHL franchise.

Nashville outshot Phoenix 16-1 in the third period and had numerous good chances in overtime, only to be turned away by Coyotes goalie Mike Smith time after time.

Smith stopped 39 shots, helping Phoenix pull a game it probably should have lost to take a 1-0 series lead into Game 2 on Sunday.